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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationHousing Industry welcomes priority on residential construction workforce (WA)
Housing Industry welcomes priority on residential construction workforce (WA)
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HIA WA Executive Director Michael McGowan stated “that the extended subsidy will help alleviate the financial burden on employers investing in the next generation of skilled workers, ultimately boosting housing supply and reducing pressure on housing affordability.
"Combined with fee-free TAFE courses as well as interstate and international subsidies this shows that WA Labor is listening to industry needs and placing a priority on developing a strong skilled residential workforce," said Mr McGowan.
“The GTO Wage Subsidy program has been incredibly successful so far, enabling employers to train more apprentices and equip them with skills that will serve them for a lifetime. This initiative supports businesses by lowering costs, which allows builders and trades to concentrate on training apprentices and building more homes.”
Over the past four years, more than 40,000 Western Australians have started apprenticeships in the construction sector. While this is a promising trend, Mr. McGowan emphasized the need to maintain this momentum to meet the projected demand for skilled workers over the next decade.
“Given the strong demand we need to continue to find ways to attract local, interstate, and international talent to Western Australia to dramatically increase our residential building workforce right around the state.
“Attracting and retaining workers once they are in industry is also vitally important to ensure we have a pipeline of new builders and contractors. WA Labor providing funding to support this development has long term benefits for the state’s building capacity.
“The week has seen the WA Labor Party make several commitments to support those seeking social and affordable housing. Today’s election commitments to support builders and our future trades brings those commitments closer to reality.
“The economic future of Western Australia is extremely positive, however much of that depends on having a skilled workforce capable of delivering on those aspirations. A strong residential construction workforce is essential to housing the future residents of our State,” Mr McGowan concluded.
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